Arsene Wenger: My last day at Arsenal had special meaning as Herbert Chapman – ‘maybe our greatest manager’ – came from Huddersfield

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during the Premier League match at the John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield.

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Dignified to the end departing Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger evoked the club’s finest traditions by referencing Herbert Chapman after his side’s 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town following an emotional afternoon in Yorkshire.

Arsenal fans supporting outgoing manager Arsene Wenger in the stands before the Premier League match at the John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield.

Wenger, leaving the North London giants at the end of his final match in charge of the club after 22 years as manager, was gracious, praising Gunners fans as well as Terriers fans after the tremendous reception given to him by both sets of supporters inside the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday.

He was given a guard of honour for the second time in eight days as his Arsenal team and David Wagner’s Town side lined up to salute him before kick-off.

A 38th minute goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealed his send-off in style after a passionate match in which both sides showed attacking intent throughout.

Speaking afterwards Wenger said: “I think Huddersfield people have shown they are top class. It was a great day. A happy day. They celebrated staying in the Premier League and it was my last game.

Outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says goodbye to the fans after the Premier League match at the John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield.

Wenger sat in the dugouts before kick-off for nearly an hour, appearing to savour the atmosphere and the occasion one final time.

He confirmed doing just that after the match adding: “Yes. I wanted to experience it one last time.

“It was nice weather. People were nice. Huddersfield people were happy.

“They offered me a nice present before the game here. [A shirt made up of both Arsenal and Huddersfield tops].

A fan wearing a shirt honouring outgoing manager Arsene Wenger before the Premier League match at the John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield.

“Herbert Chapman, maybe our greatest manager came from here. The last day had a special meaning.

“When you know the history of our club it was a special day.” Wenger referred to a picture of Herbert Chapman in the corridor near to the away dressing room joking that the legendary 1930s manager smiled at him, before adding more seriously: “I came here many years ago in pre-season for Huddersfield.

“They had some financial problems. So I knew this place.

“I was happy to come. And since then they’ve moved up to the Premier League.”